More Topics

Weather Forecast

More than half of Minnesota's 4th, 8th graders are not proficient in science

Calling this week's release of the 2009 NAEP Science Assessment results "disappointing and troubling," Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius said the report is further proof that Minnesota needs to step up its efforts in educating all students.

"Today's results should be a wake-up call for Minnesotans," said Dr. Brenda Cassellius, recently appointed to serve as Governor Dayton's new Commissioner of Education. "The NAEP science scores are one more objective measure showing that far from being an "education leader," Minnesota - in reality - is losing ground."

The 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress assessments were administered January through March 2009. While overall scores showed Minnesota fourth and eighth graders rate relatively high in overall performance compared to other states, Minnesota is barely ranked in the top one-third of the nation's states on the 2009 NAEP science assessments.

"Just last week, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan challenged Minnesota to create a sense of urgency about the need to educate all kids," said Commissioner Cassellius. "Governor Dayton already shares this sense of urgency and has promised to make education one of his administration's top priorities.

"If there was ever a time for Minnesotans to step up and fuel that sense of urgency, that time is now," Cassellius continued. "Our state's sustained economic success and our global competitive edge will come from our ability to create a highly-skilled and educated workforce - a workforce that starts in our schools by creating a culture where students come first and by making sure all of our children are learning to their full potential."